Former Steelers RB receives massive praise from his new quarterback

It didn’t take long for Kenneth Gainwell to make a lasting impression on the Pittsburgh Steelers, and he’s already impressing his new quarterback with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Speaking with reporters during media availability, Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield spoke highly of Gainwell, praising his work with the Philadelphia Eagles and Steelers.

“[Gainwell] has been doing great,” Mayfield said. “He’s somebody that I’ve respected from afar when he was with Philly and the Steelers. You can tell he’s a sharp kid who’s always been able to do pass protection stuff. He was doing that in Philly from very early on in his career, and then in Pittsburgh, he actually balled out. Now to have him here, we’re lucky because he’s extremely sharp, a great leader, and can do everything you ask for.”

One of Gainwell’s most impressive traits during his career has been his versatility, exceeding expectations as both a rusher and a receiver, while also standing out as a solid special teamer.

Gainwell would be voted Steelers’ 2025 team MVP for his selfless play and stellar performance, in which he recorded a career-high 1,023 yards from scrimmage and eight total touchdowns. While he’ll be dearly missed, the Steelers hit a home run in replacing him with a multiple 1,000-yard rusher in Rico Dowdle.

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